Nominations invited for Woman of the Year

Last year's ‘Woman of the Year’ Susan Ridgard

Nominations are now required for Rochdale’s ‘Woman of the Year’ for 2011, the winner of which will be announced at the prestigious ‘Women of Rochdale’ Luncheon which will take place in the Main Hall of Rochdale Town Hall on Wednesday 4 May.

The Luncheon, held annually for Springhill Hospice in celebration of Rochdale’s ‘Woman of the Year’ which honours the lady who, initially through public nominations and then by final analysis by the ‘Women of Rochdale’ Committee, is considered to have contributed the most to the community of Rochdale.

Guest Speaker at the event will be Lilian King, who served as a Chief Superintendent with Greater Manchester Police, until she retired in March 2010 after completing 30 years service. She joined the service in 1980 and worked in many demanding areas including eight years working in the Moss Side area of Manchester.

Ian Jenkins, Fundraising Manager at Springhill Hospice and the organiser of the event, said: “Last year we had a number of stalls selling goods to our diners and it proved to be a popular addition to the day. So once again we will have a variety of different stalls for the ladies to browse.”

Tickets for the ‘Women of Rochdale’ Luncheon can be purchased, at a cost of £36 per person, from the Springhill Hospice Fundraising Office, Broad Lane, Rochdale OL16 4PZ.

To make your nomination for this year’s ‘Woman of the Year’, please complete the form and return it to the address contained, along with a cover letter outlining your reasons for choosing your nominee. The criteria for choosing your nominee are as follows: 

• She is an ‘unsung’ hero in the community
• She must work or live in the Borough of Rochdale
• She must be on the electoral roll
• She has not already received a Royal award 

In order for the Committee to consider nominations in detail, your cover letter should be of at least 200 words, but no more than 500 words, and the closing date for nominations to be received is Friday 8 April.

Previous holders of the ‘Woman of Rochdale’ title are Charlotte Kiszko, Karen Hilton MBE, Maureen Cooper MBE, Karen Hoather, Dorothy Greaves, Nancy Todd MBE, Yvonne Noble, Gladys Emerson, Jill Hamnett, Marjory Hawker-Bond MBE, Sheila Acton, Freda Dixon, Vivien Carter MBE, Carol Cadwallader, Sue Rothwell, Pauline Fardon and Susan Ridgard.

Last year the title of Rochdale ‘Woman of the Year’ was bestowed upon Susan Ridgard, who has been a nurse for 40 years, her last 18 years on the coronary care unit in Rochdale. She has raised many thousands of pounds for Rochdale Heartbeat. A true inspiration to all. 

Further details of the event can be obtained by contacting the Fundraising Office on 01706 649920.

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